Ask first when any of these apply

  • You take prescription medicine or several supplements.
  • You have heart, blood-pressure, liver, kidney, bleeding, hormone or mental-health concerns.
  • You are preparing for surgery.
  • You experience repeated erection problems, pain, severe fatigue or a marked mood change.
  • The label does not disclose exact ingredients and amounts.

Stop and seek advice after a suspected reaction

Stop using the product and seek appropriate help if you develop a suspected adverse reaction. Severe allergic symptoms, chest pain, fainting, neurological symptoms or a prolonged painful erection require urgent care.

Avoid unsafe shortcuts

  • Unregulated prescription medicines sold as supplements
  • Hormones or anabolic products without medical supervision
  • Several products with overlapping ingredients
  • Guaranteed or ‘works for everyone’ claims
  • Advice to stop prescribed treatment

England

NHS route

Use an NHS GP or sexual health service for persistent symptoms. NHS 111 can direct urgent non-emergency care; call 999 for an emergency.

Ireland

HSE route

Contact your GP or HSE services for persistent symptoms. Call 112 or 999 for an emergency.

Safety questions

Is a natural supplement automatically safe?

No. Natural ingredients can cause side effects, interact with medicines or be unsuitable for some health conditions.

Can a supplement replace an erectile-dysfunction assessment?

No. Libido and erection function are different, and repeated erection problems can have treatable causes.

What symptom needs urgent hospital care?

A painful erection lasting around four hours is an emergency. Severe chest, neurological or testicular symptoms also need urgent care.

Official sources